South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) says it can attest that the region is Australia’s largest manufacturing workforce by size, employment and economic output.
A Deloittes Report commissioned by GSEM (Greater South East Melbourne) outperforms its nearest rival Western Sydney on a per capita basis by nearly 60 per cent.
The region has 3,801 manufacturing businesses employing 75,046 people, with a gross output of $89 billion.
“This report is proof of manufacturing’s importance to our State and National economy – Victoria and the South-East of Melbourne is the manufacturing powerhouse of Australia,” SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said.
“The Greater South East of Melbourne has been at the centre of manufacturing in this state for a very long time – and SEMMA will continue to advocate for manufacturers to ensure this region remains front and centre for all things manufacturing in this state.
“We wear this badge with pride – SEMMA proudly represents Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse.”
SEMMA was supportive of the need for increased infrastructure spending to capitalise on the South-East position and enable continued economic growth.
“The extension of Thompson’s Road is a vital part of growth for the Cardinia region as it will unlock the South-East employment corridor as well as freight and residential land, and enable regional connections to Gippsland, South Gippsland and Mornington Peninsula via EastLink attracting businesses, investment and jobs growth,” SEMMA president Peter Angelico said.
SEMMA stated the proposed Dandenong South Intermodal Freight Terminal, the Port of Hastings and the proposed South East Airport were other essential infrastructure for the region’s long-term growth.
“These three projects are the logical next phase of infrastructure required to optimise current capabilities and continue the growth that is possible in this region,” Ms Walker said.
“We would like to see a commitment from State and Federal Government’s for these projects to begin – as they align with the Made in Victoria 2030, Victoria’s Industry Plan and the Future Made in Australia initiative – offering ROI by enabling greater economic productivity into the future.”
